I have been wanting to write about this issue for days, actually since the death of my cousin, Elena.
Elena died on Wednesday, August 13, 2008. I should say she died not because of her ailment, but she died of poverty!
Elena had been suffering from profuse bleeding for four months before she finally expired. She could not got to the doctor simply because she didn’t have the money to pay for the doctor’s consultation fee. At least, this is what my aunts had told me.
Elena had four children, all still very young: aged 8, 7, 2, and 1. They are left to the care of their good-for-nothing father! I hope they would be left to the care of their lola, my aunt, at least. Somehow relatives could donate food, provide shelter and clothing for the children.
Elena’s remains could not be scheduled for burial yet. Why? Because the family doesn’t have the amount to pay for the hospital bills where Elena breathed her last. Without the payment, the hospital would not release the death certificate, the only piece of document needed for the burial to be processed.
When Elena died, my heart broke for the kids that she left behind. And my question was: did she die of her ailment or of poverty?
When Elena was still alive I learned that she did the laundry just to fend for the four little souls who depend on her. She had been bleeding but could not complain. Her request to be brought to the doctor, I guess, was too late. The doctor told me that her hemoglobin was too low despite the five bags of blood transfusion. When she got to the hospital, she was diagnosed to be pregnant not of a child but of certain creature which the doctor termed kyawa. After two and a half hours of surgical procedure, the doctor called for me and told me that their prognosis of the creature found in her womb was not the initial kyawa but a cancer! The doctor immediately requested for histopathology of the specimen, but the result would be available after 7 days. Today is the 7th day. Whatever the result is, it would give everyone a peace of mind, somehow.
Now, Elena lies in state at their small house in Fairview. I told the family I can only help as much as I can. They need to do something to help those who are helping them at the moment. They can seek help from SWA, DSWD and PCSO.
Hay! Poverty. Is it a choice or a destiny?
The candle which I lighted for Elena’s soul during the feast of Mary’s assumption. In my office. August 15, 2008.
